MAN X & THE ASSASSIN

Serb killer looks similar to CCTV pic from scene | He led feared squad behind political executions

- TOM PETTIFOR

MILORAD Ulemek's movements at the time of Jill Dando's murder should be probed by police in the light of the Mirror's investigation, a leading lawyer has said.

The ruthless Serbian assassin bears a striking resemblance to a man wanted for questioning over the popular TV star's shooting.

As yet unidentified, that person was caught on CCTV following the gunman's likely escape route after the Crimewatch presenter, 37, was killed just after 11.30am outside her home on Monday April 26, 1999.

The shocking murder bore all the hallmarks of a professional hit.

And now, facial comparison expert Emi Polito has found a number of similarities between "Man X" in the image and twice-convicted murderer Ulemek, who is currently serving 40 years in a Serbian jail.

At the time Jill was killed, the 56-year-old led a feared squad of hitmen targeting opponents of dictator Slobodan Milosevic.

Jill's brother Nigel, 72, told us: "I'm always interested in any new lines of inquiry about Jill's death, especially if they might lead to somebody being arrested and convicted of her murder."

Michael Mansfield KC, who defended wrongly convicted Barry George during his first 2001 trial for Jill's murder, argued then that it could have been a Serbian hitman.

As the 25th anniversary of Jill's murder approaches on Friday, he said of our findings: "I would call for there to be a review and for the investigation to be resuscitated.